Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life.
ORIGINS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
ICONIC SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The gentle, organic contours that are typical of Scandinavian design appear in the furnishings and decor created by Danish, Finnish and Swedish designers not as a stylistic gesture, but rather as a practical, ergonomic — and, as importantly, elegant — response to the human form.
Each nation produced exceptional talents in all areas of the applied arts, yet each had its forté. Sweden was home to Greta Magnusson Grossman and Bruno Mathsson — creators of the classic Grasshopper lighting series and Berlin daybed, respectively — but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the 1920s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kåge introduced pieces in the Scandinavian style based on influences from folklore to Cubism; his skills were passed on to his versatile and inspired pupils Berndt Friberg and Stig Lindberg.
Likewise, Finland produced a truly ingenious Scandinavian modern furniture designer in the architect Alvar Aalto, a master at melding function and artistic form in works like the Paimio chair, created in collaboration with his first wife, Aino. Yet Finnish glassware was pre-eminent, crafted in expressive, sculptural designs by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva.
The Danes excelled at chairs. Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen were exemplars of the country’s facility with wood, particularly teak.
Wegner created such iconic pieces as the Round chair and the Wishbone chair; Jacobsen — while the revolutionary architect and furniture innovator produced the best-selling plywood Ant chair — designed two classic upholstered pieces of the 1950s: the Swan chair and Egg chair. The list of great Danes could go on and on, including Finn Juhl, a stylistic maverick and maker of the bold Chieftain chair; Poul Kjaerholm, with his lean metal-and-rattan aesthetic; and Verner Panton, who introduced a vibrant Pop note into international design.
Today, decades after their heyday, the prolific, ever-evolving Scandinavian modernists continue to amaze and delight, and interior designers all over the world use their pieces to bring warmth to any given space.
On 1stDibs, you will note both instantly recognizable vintage Scandinavian modern chairs, sofas, rugs and tables — those that have earned iconic status over time — and many new discoveries.
1960s Illum Vikkelso Danish Plexus Easy Chairs in Mahogany and White Fabric
By CFC Silkeborg, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Knebel, DK
The plexus armchair series was designed by Illum Wikkelsø in the 1960s and produced by CFC Silkeborg in Denmark. The armchairs are in good condition and features a frame in Mahoga...
Mahogany
$11,252 / item
Custom Made Sheepskin Karu Sofa with Ball Feet by Dagmar
Located in London, England
The Karu Sofa is a contemporary update of a classic design first produced in Finland by the Haimi Oy company in the 1940s. The inviting curved arms and subtle winged back are the epi...
Sheepskin, Beech, Oak
Børge Mogensen Three-Seat Sofa
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen three-seat sofa with original patinated black leather upholstery. Legs of teak. Model 2213, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Teak
1970s, Danish 4-seater sofa, furniture wool, solid oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 4-seater sofa. Original turquoise green furniture wool, solid oak wood. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by Danish fu...
Wool, Oak
Arne Norell Sofa model Kontiki, Sweden, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
3-Seater sofa model Kontiki designed by Arne Norell in original brown leather. Produced by Arne Norell AB in Aneby, Sweden. Cushions newly lubricated with leather conditioner. Very ...
Leather
Esko Pajamies for Asko "Bonanza" Sofa
By Esko Pajamies, Asko
Located in Long Island City, NY
Esko Pajamies is best known for the well-made and playful furniture he designed for the Finnish firm Asko in the 1960s and 70s. In 1979 he received the Finnish State Award for Art. ...
Linen, Upholstery, Oak
1980s, Danish 2-seater sofa by Nisbo Horsens, furniture wool.
Located in Tarm, 82
1980s, Danish 2-seater sofa by Nisbo Horsens. Striped lig brown/ green furniture wool, beech wood legs. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufac...
Wool, Beech
Swedish Mid-Century Cabinetmaker Sofa, Sweden 1950s
Located in Utrecht, NL
Svensk design, “Swedish design”, is unquestionably a conventional and popular branding device, with many companies explicitly promoting their products as examples of god design, “good design”. But svensk design does not simply represent “good” design made in Sweden, it also projects a powerful, concrete rendering of a sort of essentialized “Swedishness” embedded in objects, such as this sofa. Rounded out lines, unexpected curvature and innovative shapes from every angle define the design of this model. The aesthetic recalls classic English upholstered furniture...
Fabric, Wood
1970s, Danish 2 seater sofa, original condition, green furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains, and stable construction. Light green furniture velour, beech wood legs, springs in the seat. Manufact...
Velvet, Beech
Viggo Boesen Style Danish Banana Sofa C. 1940s
By Viggo Boesen
Located in Norwalk, CT
Exceptional Danish banana sofa in the style of Viggo Boesen, circa 1940s. The sofa showcases a beautifully curved, sculptural silhouette with a generously rounded back and arms that ...
Upholstery, Beech
Mid-Century Scandinavian Sofa Bed, 1960s Mid-Century Scandinavian Sofa Bed, 1960
Located in Parma, IT
Mid-century Scandinavian sofa bed, 1960s. Rosewood structure with base, padding and fabric completely restored, removable cushions. Can be adapt...
Fabric, Wood
Ejnar Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen Sofa or Bench by Næstved Møbler in Denmark
By Ejner Larsen and Aksel Bender Madsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare bench or sofa designed by Ejnar Larsen & Aksel Bender Madsen. Produced by Næstved Møbler in Denmark.
Fabric, Teak
$2,800 / item
Beaumont Bouclé Settee
Located in New York, NY
New traditionalism. Minimalist rigor meets cocoon-y comfort. Our Beaumont collection's architectural yet airy bases are juxtaposed with silhouettes softened by sculptural flair. Bala...
Brass
Carl Malmsten Pine Bench – Nordic Craftsmanship, Sweden, 1960
Located in Dronten, NL
This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a genuine icon of Scandinavian design: a solid pine bench by the legendary Swedish master Carl Malmsten. Executed with a profound respec...
Pine
Poul Kjærholm 'PK31' 3-Seater Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Leather (Cat. 5)
By Poul Kjærholm, Fritz Hansen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Poul Kjærholm 'PK31' 3-Seater Sofa for Fritz Hansen in Leather (Cat. 5) Established in 1872, Fritz Hansen has become synonymous with legendary Danish design. Combining timeless craf...
Steel
Tor Wolfenstein, Sofa, Velvet, Wood, Sweden, 1940s
By Ditzingers, Tor Wolfenstein
Located in High Point, NC
An organic wood and green velvet sofa, designed by Tor Wolfenstein and produced by Ditzingers, Sweden, c. 1940s. Seat height: 17.5” Original velvet ideally replaced. All items shi...
Velvet, Wood
Märta Blomstedt Sofa, Finland, 1940s
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare sofa was designed by Märta Blomstedt and produced in Finland in the 1940s. The sofa has been fully reconditioned and newly upholstered in a w...
Bouclé, Birch
"Divina" sofa by Arne Norell, Westbergs möbler, Sweden, 1950s
By Arne Norell
Located in Hägersten, SE
"Divina" two seater sofa attributed to Arne Norell. Produced in Sweden by Westbergs Möbler during the 1950s. Stained beech legs and new upholstery in light beige "Hallingdal" wool fa...
Wool, Beech
Paradise Sofa with Orange Fabric Upholstery by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmqvist
By NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Kerstin Horlin Holmquist
Located in Madrid, ES
The "Paradiset" sofa was designed by Kerstin Hörlin-Holmqvist in the late 1950s for Nordiska Kompaniet. It features a soft curved line of the back and tapered and curved stained beec...
Fabric, Beech
Sculptural Ernst Kühn Two Seater Sofa, 1930's
By Ernst Kühn
Located in Kastrup, DK
Ernst Kühn, 1890-1948 Architectural and sculptural sofa designed by Ernst Kühn, presumably made for the Wivex restaurant in Copenhagen in the early 1930s and most likely produced by ...
Fabric, Mahogany
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa, original light green furniture velour, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater sofa. Original light green furniture velour, beech wood legs, springs in the seat. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. ...
Velvet, Beech
Søren Hansen, Rare Sofa / Bench Model 2240 for Fritz Hansen, 1939
Located in Paris, FR
Two-seat sofa, model 2240, made of Beech wood designed by Søren Hansen in 1939 and manufactured by Fritz Hansen. A rare find and very collectable piece. As a sculptural piece, this ...
Upholstery, Velvet, Beech, Fabric
$4,200Sale Price|20% Off
Unusual Scandinavian Teak Bentwood Designer Sofa Mid-Century Modern
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Unusual Scandinavian Bentwood sofa. We just love the bentwood arms and the way the sofa is upholstered with giant square buttons. This piece will need to ...
Upholstery, Rosewood
Unique 3-seater sofa by Roland Wilhelmsson, Sweden, 1970s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Probably unique 3-seater sofa handcrafted massive pine sofa by Roland Wilhelmsson and executed in Ågesta 1970s, Sweden. This sofa (and a 2-seater, also available) was specially made...
Pine
Hans Olsen Sofa Model 500 Produced by C/S Møbler
By Hans Olsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa model 500 designed by Hans Olsen. Produced by C/S Møbler in Denmark.
Brass
1950s, Scandinavian 2-seater sofa, reupholstered, furniture wool, oak.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Scandinavian 2-seater sofa. Reupholstered in quality furniture wool. Renewed oak, brass springs in the seat and back. Made by Swedish furniture manufacturer in about 1950-55. ...
Wool, Oak
1960s, 3-seater Danish sofa, green cotton/wool furniture fabric, solid oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, 3-seater Danish sofa. Original green cotton/wool furniture fabric, solid oak wood, springs in the seat and back. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable const...
Wool, Oak
Børge Mogensen Model 2212 Two-Seat Sofa in Black Leather & Teak
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa with original black leather upholstery. Legs of teak. Model 2212, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Teak
1970s, Danish 3-seater sofa, furniture wool, solid oak wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 3-seater sofa. Furniture wool, solid oak wood, springs in the cushions. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction. Manufactured by Danish fu...
Wool, Oak
Göperts Möbler, Sofa, Pine, Fabric, Sweden, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A dark-stained pine and white fabric "Åre" sofa or settee designed and produced by Göperts Möbler, Sweden, c. 1940s. Dimensions: 32” H x 49.75” W x 29” D Seat height: 18”
Fabric, Pine
Folke Ohlsson Sofa by DUX
By Folke Ohlsson, Dux of Sweden
Located in Highland, IN
A beautiful, subtle design by Swedish designer Folke Ohlsson, this upholstered three seat sofa with gently curved lines is supported by a walnut base. In very good original vintage ...
Upholstery, Walnut
$19,231 / item
Sofa in Cane and Teak by Hans Olsen, 1957
By Hans Olsen
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
This very rare pair of model 161 sofas, designed by Hans Olsen and produced by Bramin Møbler in Denmark in 1957, represents an exceptional synthesis of mid-century Scandinavian desig...
Cane, Teak
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa kupe sofa, 2292, original upholstery
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen original upholstered kupe sofa with cognac leather. Legs of teak. Model 2292, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Teak
$7,692 / item
Set of 2 Arne Norell Sofas Model Ilona, 1970s
By Arne Norell
Located in Stockholm, SE
Pair of ilona sofas designed by Arne Norell 1960s, produced by Norell Möbel AB, Sweden. Dark stained beech, original black leather and brass details. Please note: Listed price is f...
Brass
Swedish Mid Century Modern Curved Sofa in Dark Green Velvet Upholstery, 1930s
Located in Stockholm, SE
Rare two seater Swedish mid century modern curved sofa in style of Otto Schultz. The dark green velvet upholstery appear to be original ...
Velvet, Beech
1970s, Danish 2-seater drop arm sofa, furniture velour.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater drop arm sofa. Original red furniture velour, beige jacquard fabric, springs in the seat cushions. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stabl...
Velvet, Ash
Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs Sofa Model Trienna Produced in Finland
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Rare sofa model Trienna designed by Carl Gustaf Hiort af Ornäs. Produced in Finland.
Leather, Fabric, Wool, Walnut
Illum Wikkelsø for N. Eilersen High back Lounge Chair
By Illum Wikkelsø, Niels Eilersen
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Illum Wikkelso for N. Eilersen Lounge chair of rosewood Original upholstery, patinated nature leather. Model Capella, made by N. Eilersen.
Leather, Rosewood
Dymling Sofa, Scandinavian Modern Design, Pine, Vintage, 1970s
By Yngve Ekström, Swedese
Located in Chicago, IL
"Dymling" sofa, Designed by Swedish designer Yngve Ekstrom for Swedese c. 1970's. This sofa features an old growth pine frame with playful chunky features as well as the original uph...
Pine
$1,491Sale Price|20% Off
1970s, Danish sleeping foldable sofa, original very good condition.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish sleeping foldable sofa. Original very good condition: no smells and no stains. Original vintage green furniture velour. Can be pu...
Velvet, Teak
Contemporary Large Sofa 'Aqueduct' by Poiat, Yang 95, High Plinth
By Poiat
Located in Paris, IDF
Contemporary large 'Aqueduct' by Poiat Small version : H. 77 cm x W. 299 cm x D. 102 cm (SH 40 cm) Aqueduct collection 2022 by Timo Mikkonen & Antti Rouhunkoski Upholstery...
Linen, Foam, Plywood
1950s, Danish 3-seater sofa, salmon pink velour, furniture mesh, beech wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1950s, Danish 3-seater sofa. Salmon pink furniture velour, furniture mesh, dark beech wood, springs in the seat. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains and stable constru...
Velvet, Rattan, Beech
1960s, Danish drop arm sofa, furniture wool, oak wood, orginal condition.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish 2 seater drop arm sofa in original very good condition. No smells, no stains, stable construction. Sofa was checked by craftsman. Furnit...
Wool, Oak
1970s, Danish "Spanish" sofa, original condition, furniture velour, ash wood.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 2-seater drop arm "Spanish" sofa. Original very good condition: no smells, no stains, and stable construction. Original cherry-red furniture velour, ash wood legs, spri...
Fabric, Velvet, Ash
Danish Mid-Century Modern Sofa, Alfred Christensen, Slagelse Møbelværk, 1940s
Located in Rødding, DK
This rare and highly collectible Danish Modern two-seater sofa — designed by Alfred Christensen for Slagelse Møbelværk in the 1940s — is one of the most sculpturally refined expressi...
Bouclé, Beech
1960s, Danish design by Aage Christensen, 3-seater sofa, leather.
Located in Tarm, 82
1960s, Danish design by Aage Christensen. 3-seater sofa. Original black furniture leather, teak wood legs. Manufactured by Danish furniture maker Eran Møbler in about 1965-70s. Origi...
Leather, Teak
1970s, Danish 3 seater curved sofa, original multicolor furniture fabric.
Located in Tarm, 82
1970s, Danish 3 seater curved sofa. Original multicolor furniture fabric, beech wood legs, springs in the seat. Original good condition: no smells, no stains and stable construction....
Fabric, Beech
Poul Volther Sofa / Daybed in Oak and Pierre Frey Fabric, Gemla, Sweden, 1955
By Poul Volther, Gemla, La Maison Pierre Frey
Located in The Hague, NL
This rare daybed / sofa was designed by Poul Volther and produced by Gemla Fabrikers AB in Sweden, 1955. This particular model was named Diva and numbered 981. The base is in solid oak wood and can be folded down to create a (day)bed. The cushions have been completely renewed and are upholstered in a striking pink and white jacquard fabric...
Fabric, Wool, Cotton, Jacquard, Wood, Oak
Børge Mogensen Two-Seat Sofa, Vintage Tan Leather, Oak Legs, 1960s
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Børge Mogensen two-seat sofa new upholstered with vintage tan full grain aniline leather. Legs of oak. Model 2212, made by Fredericia Furniture.
Leather, Oak
Hans Wegner Sofa Model AP-64 Produced by AP-Stolen in Denmark
Located in Limhamn, Skåne län
Very rare sofa model AP-64 designed by Hans Wegner. Produced by AP-Stolen in Denmark.
Leather, Oak
Swedish Three-Seater Conversation Sofa, Sweden, 1940s
Located in Utrecht, NL
This beautiful Swedish three-seater sofa recalls the distinctive curves of the Art Deco period, while material and cabinetmaking-wise being a true Swedish Modern design. Thanks to its curved shape, this sofa is exceptionally cosy and elegant, a statement piece that is also referred to as a conversation sofa...
Wood, Fabric
Finnish Modern Wood Panel and Leather Two-Seat Sofa, Attr: Artek, Finland, 1970s
By Artek
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A two-seat sofa in warm stained wood and brown leather, produced in Finland in the 1970s and attributed to Artek. The arms are constructed as large solid box panels in stained hardwo...
Steel
Danish Airport Sofa From Copenhagen Airport by Fritz Hansen 1991
By Fritz Hansen, Jens Ammunsen
Located in Bridgeport, CT
This very cool airport sofa was part of the actual decor in Copenhagen Airport in Denmark until they remodeled a few years back. The furniture was designe...
Steel, Chrome
$3,080Sale Price|20% Off
Wonderful Swedish Mid-Century Sofa Folke Ohlsson DUX Style, circa 60's
Located in Pemberton, NJ
Wonderful Swedish modern Folke Ohlsson Dux style sofa. This sofa retains its original heavy-weight textured zig-zag fabric in presentable condition-cleaning is recommended. The fabri...
Upholstery, Walnut
"Monte Carlo" Palisander and leather sofa by Ingvar Stockum, Futura, 1960s
By Futura Möbler, Ingvar Stockum
Located in Hägersten, SE
Three seater Sofa model "Monte Carlo" designed by Ingvar Stockum. Produced by Futura möbler during the 1960s. Solid rosewood/palisander frame with original black leather cushions. Ve...
Leather, Palisander
Swedish Modern Sheepskin Sofa, 1930s–1940s
Located in Staffanstorp, SE
A beautifully sculptural Swedish Modern sofa from the 1930s–40s, newly upholstered in luxurious natural sheepskin. The softly curved silhouette, generous proportions and warm materia...
Sheepskin, Elm
V12 sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for Holger Christiansen, Denmark, 1960s
By Holger Christiansen, Illum Wikkelsø
Located in Antwerp, BE
A stunning example of mid-century Danish design, this rare V12 sofa by Illum Wikkelsø for Holger Christiansen dates from the 1960s and stands out as one of the finest pieces we’ve so...
Leather, Wood
Poul M Volther Daybed Sofa Model 981 DIVA by Frem Røjle, Teak 60ties green cord
Located in Munich, Bavaria
Danish Modern Mid Century Daybed Modell 981 DIVA by Poul Volther for Frem Røjle. 1st Edition by the 1st manufacturer. The frame is made of solid teak wood and the fabric is a green ...
Fabric, Teak, Cord, Beech
Scandinavian oak decorative Kjaernulf style wood frame sofa
Located in Chicago, IL
A stunning example of Scandinavian design, this Henning Kjaernulf style sofa features a decorative and ornate scalloped oak frame and beige wool cushions.
Oak, Wool
Henrik Tengler two seat sofa, Model Chairman
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Henrik Tengler sofa in steel and backrest of walnut. Upholstered with black leather. Made by Hansen & Sørensen. Price per chair
Stainless Steel